TND2GEN

- Colin Chapman once said, "When your on a limited budget, as we are
at Lotus, power is designed into the chassis and not the powerplant"-

Tuned Track NA DA9 objective: Build a low budget track tuned "Type R" using a DA chassis My design concept derives from my passion for efficiency and function, which is something I always admired from Colin Chapman and also Soichiro Honda. Start with a light chassis while harnessing reliable consistent power from a small displacement engine. Pretty simple approach, which was made difficult as my objective was to be competitive with tuned Type R's on the circuit while keeping my cost below that of buying a Type R. Because of structural weakness common to the DA chassis, it is the one place of importance in overall vehicle improvement. The amount of high-tension steel used in the DA chassis is 25% less than in that of its predecessor, the DC, which also consists of 4-plate welds (not incorporated on the DA) resulting in a 125% stiffer chassis. The DC chassis also features increased stiffeners and spot welds, and an overall higher load capacity due in part to its superior monocoque design. My intentions in rebuilding the DA was to pin point the weaknesses of the DA chassis through track testing and trial and error, and increase the overall load capacity to better absorb power, and not distribute it. While this is a fairly simple task to achieve by simply bulking and reinforcing certain key panels, cross-member and stiffener, it becomes more challenging when weight and cost are considered. And so stiffening of the chassis was realized with a very simple cost affective approach (basically, I fabricated everything). The DA was not acknowledged into the success circle of the Japanese Motorsports industry, nor was it popular to the general public, and therefore didn't received the same aftermarket attention to performance upgrades as the EG or DC respectively. I had therefore resourced parts from many models and modified them for testing purposes. Finally I ended up fabricating most of the chassis stiffening members myself or modifying those from other chassis's, which was more rewarding and cost effective.

Picture links:
tnd2gen car pics
digitalhorizononline.com

Update :

A048 Advan tire Review:
No need for this, as I'm sure everyone knows how great these tires are by now already, especially since they've been around since 2000. Just wanted to give you tnd2gen's notes on the subject since I seem to have acquired the last set available of 225/50/15 in the US (I'm sure they will be bringing more in).

All I can compare these to are the Falken Azenis (which suck!), and the A032, which I replaced. There's no comparison actually, the A048 is completely different than the older A032 in every way ...except wear. I was even impressed with these in the rain, as we did a time attack at Cali Speedway in puddles 02/11/07. s I was competitive in the wet conditions, but maybe that's mostly do to the fact that I started out Rallying in Canada and was more comfortable in these slippery conditions.

I gained 2 sec. And maybe even 4 sec. Per lap with these tires over the A032's. They are that much better. And as my friend Kei mentioned, "they are a real advantage", especially when running the Modified class in Redline Time Attack series.

I'm still running my 7.5JJ Enkei Racing wheels with the front A048 225/50/15 in the Front, and I could really use an 8JJ wheel. These A048's are a true 225 and stick out quit a bit more than my 225 A032's.

01/31/07:
Understeer correction:
- Full Race Chromoly Front Cross Member and dialed in +4.5° caster
- Rebuild front carbon diffuser to move the splitter out 1" and lowered it 1"
- Changed the rear springs from 16Kg to 18Kg
- Received and installed the Hasport rear DA aluminum engine mount.
- "Swiss Cheesed" the front chassis under brace to lighten up the front
- Loosened up the front sway bar to promote initial turn in.

Future mods:
After the time attack event at Buttonwillow, I realized I need more rear brakes and more rear sway bar. I think the car could benefit from that ASR hollow 1" bar, but I have to try and put my money into better coilovers before anything else. I've finally outgrown my use of single adjustable coilovers, and I'll be looking to get a good 2 way coilover such as the Tein circuits or the KW competition.
- Carbon rear diffuser
- Front canards
- No compliance bushings

SPECS (2003-2006) Chassis: DA9 (Canadian spec)
Weight: 1108kg (2280Lbs) (1/2 tank)
Mileage: 97,000 Km (01/05)
Weight distribution: 61/39

NEW SPECS (Nov. 2006)
Weight: 992kg (2189Lbs) (1/2 tank)
Weight distribution: 62/38
Corner balance: 50.3%

FRONT

Coilovers: EK9 Zeal B6
Springs: Swift 14 kg/mm (178 mm)
Brakes: NA2 Calipers/Pancake Racing drilled 11.4"rotors
Booster/Cylinder: NA2
Lines: DC2 Project U
Pads: EK9 Endless CCM
Wheels: Enkei Racing (15x7Jx35)
Tires: Advan A048 (225/50/15)
Sway Bar: 25.4 mm

CURRENT SETTINGS
Camber: -3.5° Caster: +4.5° Toe: +1/8"

REAR

Rear Coilover: EK9 Zeal B6
Springs: Swift 18 kg/mm (152 mm)
Brake: DA6 XSi Calipers
Lines: EF8/9 APP
Pads: Endless CCX
Wheels: Weds TC-05 (15x6.5Jx45)
Tires: Advan A048 (205/50/15)
Sway Bar: 22 mm

CURRENT SETTINGS
Camber: -2.6° Toe: +1/16"- 0